Life as a Leach

I was recently interviewed for an article a blog friend of mine was writing about the benefits of Early Intervention.  She wanted to hear about our experience and how we felt that it has helped Abby.  I jumped at the chance to brag about the awesome therapists who have become some of Abby's biggest cheerleaders. After all, we are big fans of early intervention!! Check out the finished product (and see a few pictures of a cute little girl, too!)

...and so little time!! I have lots and lots of pictures and stories to share, but I have been super busy.  Work is really picking up and my job has kind of morphed from teaching to doing mostly staff development.  It's very new and different, but I really like it! I do have a few cell phone photos I can share with you to give you a few indications of what we've been up to. We went to Disney on Ice with Starlight!  As always, the kids loved it.  We met a delightful Starlight family with a very entertaining son who kept me smiling through the entire show.  He was so sweet! This picture says so much!  Abby got sick with a little stomach bug on Halloween, which meant our festivities were limited to decorating pumpkins with play-dough while Caleb and Matt went to the fall festival at church.  We decided to make a Hello Kitty in honor of Reagann, a friend of ours from RMH who is fighting a very serious infection back home in Missouri.  S...

The kids enjoyed their pizza... ...then we sang "Happy Birthday" to Abs.  Yep, those candles are in a pudding cup.  It's a Paula Deen recipe that probably has more calories per tablespoon than her Pediasure.  :) One day, I will be able to sing "Happy Birthday" to Abby without crying.  This was not the year.   Here's to many more teary-eyed "Happy Birthday" songs, Abs!

These three cuties, who are all just about the same age (they are spaced out about 2 months apart), loved playing in the Wind Tunnel that was at the bounce house.  We never paid the money for them to actually feel the wind; they just liked being inside of the big plexiglass door.  They had so much fun!!

Dear Abby, Today is your third birthday.  At exactly three years ago today, you came flying into this world and quickly stole our hearts with those big black eyes you had.   Three years old, little girl!  Where did the time go?!  You have SO much personality, and you are living up to your name.  You truly are  a joy to everyone you meet.  Even strangers who have no idea how much you've been through in the last three years comment on how much of a joy  you are.  If they only knew! It is amazing to me to see how far you have come.  Three years ago, my only prayer was for God to let us have you for a just a little longer.  No one thought we had much time with you, and I tried so hard to cherish every second.  I took so many pictures because I didn't want to forget your face.  I held your little hand and tried to fill a lifetime of love into those first few terrifying days.  I vowed that no matter how much time w...

Abby's 3rd birthday party was at an indoor bounce house.  Based on the smiles, I think they all had fun.  Uncle Bruce was hiding in the moon bounce! Stay tuned for lots more pictures of Abby's party!